Whinlatter Forest

Visitor information

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.

Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. 

The Lakes are a dramatic and unique landscape which has been formed through man’s activities, such as forestry and land management. This landscape has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists, writers and thinkers.

We do not allow camping or overnight stays in the forest or any of the car parks in Whinlatter Forest.

Trail Map

What's on

Forest event

Half Day Photography Workshops

28 October
10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm

Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop

Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment is a perfect setting in which to ‘dip your toe’ into the world of landscape photography.

You'll explore different elements and techniques of landscape photography. You'll have opportunities to look at composition, exposure, exploring the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings and a host of other tips and techniques.

 

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Forest event

Photography Workshops with Steve Blake Photography

5 August, 18 November
10am to 4pm

Designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level.

Course participants use their own equipment - from an iPad to a full-frame digital SLR, it doesn’t matter what you use, just bring what you’re comfortable with and Steve will help you get the most out of your photography equipment.

During the course of the day you'll have plenty of time to visit a series of nearby locations to explore different elements and techniques of landscape photography. You'll have opportunities to look at composition, exposure, exploring the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings, getting to grips with your histogram, learn how to ‘work the scene’ and a host of other quick tips and techniques. You’ll have a chance to put your new skills into practice, get your images reviewed (if you want to) and have some one-to-one time with Steve.

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Things to do

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Cycling and mountain biking trails at Whinlatter

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're looking for your next adrenaline fix, Whinlatter Forest puts the mountain back into biking, with climbs to amazing views and rewarding descents.

Due to high demand for hired bikes, we advise that you book in advance of your visit by contacting the Cyclewise team at Whinlatter via their website.

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Running trails at Whinlatter

Stunning scenery, a higher calorie burn, and increased mental well-being are just a few things to look forward to when you run in England's only true mountain forest.

Supported by Sport England and using National Lottery funding, the 5km and 10km marked trails here at Whinlatter make running through the forest more accessible, so you can feel confident to just hit the trails and enjoy all the benefits of being active outdoors.

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Walking trails at Whinlatter

Whinlatter is home to stunning views and offers some fantastic walks. There are many miles of gravel roads, surfaced paths and tracks to explore.

Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the guide map making it easy to create your own route.

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Zog activity trail at Whinlatter

Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand-new family activity trail and free app!

How does it work?

1. Download the new ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app before you visit

Point the brand new app at special markers along the trail and access all sorts of exciting challenges as you go.

Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you’ll be able to collect golden stars, just like Zog and have the chance to take a photo with everyone’s favourite dragon at the end of the trail!

Capture the fun by saving videos and photos as you complete the bonus activities!

Get it on Google Play     Get it on the App Store

2. Get your claws on a Zog trail activity pack 

Grab the Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the forest information point.

Inside you’ll find: 

kraft bag to colour in. 

dragon wings to decorate and wear. 

Zog glasses. 

stickers. 

trail leaflet. 

pencil and crayon. 

3. Follow the trail

Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them.  

Share your Zog fun using the #ZogTrail hashtag.

Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

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Nearby forests

Dodd Wood from Bassenthwaite Lake

Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some stunning views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will take you deep into the woodland and walk to the top of Dodd Summit for views across the fells.

You may also see red squirrels in the wood throughout the year.

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Autumnal landscape with lake and mountains in background

Grizedale

Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer!

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Ennerdale lake

Ennerdale

Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is home to some of England’s most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild land restoration projects in the UK!

Rising abruptly out of the coastal plain of West Cumbria, Ennerdale is one of the most remote of Cumbrian valleys. There is a sense of tranquility, self-will and wildness, a feeling more of Scotland or Scandinavia.

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View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

Blengdale Forest

Discover a variety of outdoor experiences at Blengdale Forest, from a gentle walk up the valley of the River Bleng to a cycle ride around the forest roads. 

From the highest points, Blengdale offers wild views of Wasdale, Haycock and the West Cumbrian Coast.

For some light refreshment stop off in Gosforth and sample the delicious Gosforth Bakery's pies, famous throughout Cumbria.

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